A passenger special from Willits to Ukiah crests Ridge summit. The troubled railroad had passed into public ownership, and a "new" Northwestern Pacific Railroad had begun both freight and tourist train operation on this former Southern Pacific subsidiary. But business was marginal, management was worse, and within two years the FRA shut the line down for numerous safety violations. Efforts continue to reopen the line, but only time will tell.
From the vineyards of Napa Valley to the canyons of the Coastal Range to famed theme parks like Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm, California's tourist railroads and museums offers a wide variety of experiences for the rail enthusiast.
